2000 Cadillac Catera: Road Test
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2000 Cadillac Catera ▼
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- MSRP: $31,010
- Invoice: $28,839
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Our road test for the 2000 Cadillac Catera includes a full evaluation of the 2000 Cadillac Catera from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2000 Cadillac Catera, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2000 Cadillac Catera help you decide if a 2000 Cadillac Catera is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 6.2 |
This 3.0-liter V6 provides only adequate scoot at best. The automatic transmission is generally smooth and responsive, but often has to kick down two gears for swift passing sprints.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.6 |
Catera is slightly overweight and underpowered, so mileage is mediocre. We averaged 19.1 mpg in mixed driving with one car; another managed only 16.9 in hard city/freeway driving.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.5 |
We haven't yet driven a 2000 Catera, but this year's suspension tightening doesn't bode well for ride comfort, which had been one of this model's strong suits.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.3 |
Revised suspension settings may cure the unimpressive straightline stability and slightly ponderous cornering behavior we've criticized in the past, but we haven't yet driven a 2000 model.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.8 |
The V6 makes a sporty snarl under hard throttle but is otherwise quiet. Wind rush is louder than it ought to be at freeway speeds, but road noise is not intrusive.
CONTROLS
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.2 |
This year's interior redo answers two of our Catera carps: Power window controls move from the console to the doors, where they belong, and the former rickety cupholders are now sturdier.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 6.9 |
Seats are softer than the Eurocar norm and quite comfortable. Head and leg room are good, hip and elbow room a tad tight.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.1 |
Not enough seat width for three grownups, but there's adequate head and leg room for adults, and wide door openings assist entry/exit.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.9 |
Split-fold rear seatbacks enhance the versatility of a roomy trunk with a conveniently low liftover.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 3 | 4.1 |
Catera is a solid-feeling sedan with a relatively spacious interior and competent road manners, but even the improved 2000s can't match the 3-Series for performance, roadability or cachet, nor the Lexus ES 300 for refinement, build quality and resale value. In short, Catera seems destined to remain an also-ran in the near-luxury sales race.
Total Score
| Base w/Sport Pkg. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 52 | 56.6 |
Total Score: 52
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